Let’s settle this…

It’s so hot out already. And, it’s only going to get hotter, which sometimes makes people cranky. So, let’s settle some debates/things floating around in my mind.

Q: Do you tip full-service gas station attendants?I think: I do.Why: Because, they’re doing me a favor/service and I’m choosing to go there, as opposed to Mobil, Sunoco, etc. And, if it’s blazing hot, or freezing cold, I feel bad having someone stand there and pump my gas for nothing. So, I will toss a couple bucks their way and think maybe they’ll get a cool drink/hot cocoa with it.I took this to Facebook yesterday, and the responses seemed split down the middle. The way I see it — I tip at restaurants that I choose to go to and be waited on…so why not at a full-service gas station?

Q: What do you do if you get bitten by someone’s dog at a dog park because their dog (along with three others) are ganging up on/attacking/cornering and nipping at your much-smaller dog and you had to swoop in and rescue her, but one dog (a Pit Bull) is still jumping at you and winds up biting you?I think: I’m actually just asking this question, because I’m not sure. But, in hindsight, I think demanding to see the dog’s immunization records (which should always be on the owner’s person when taking their dog to a dog park, in my opinion) and a sincere apology and perhaps filing a report with animal control is a good idea.Why: It’s the owner’s responsibility to have a well-behaved dog at a dog park.

Q: You see someone leave a shopping cart in the middle of a parking space, even though the cart return is four or five spaces down. What do you do?I think: Say “oh, that’s nice” to no one in particular but hope they heard you anyway — and also saw you shaking your head.Why: Pick your battles, but still try a little.

Q:You’ve been asked to be in a friend’s wedding. You know it’ll wind up costing you a lot of money because the friend has a beyond-their-own-budget taste for the finer things in life. You want to decline, but worry it’ll put a strain on your friendship. What do you do?I think: Decline, explaining your reason. Hopefully your friend will understand. If not, oh well…guess you lost a crappy friend, and really — your friend isn’t the one paying your bills.Why: Any good friend would understand. And, who would want someone in their wedding who didn’t really want to be there, anyway?

Q: You’re running late. Really late. The drive-thru person gave you the wrong coffee. And, by “wrong coffee” – I mean you asked for an iced coffee with a splash of cream and they gave you an iced cream with a splash of coffee. What do you do?I think: Return that coffee so fast, and plan to be a little more late — with an excuse on-hand that doesn’t involve coffee.Why: The wrong coffee can really ruin an entire day. The only time you shouldn’t complain about too much of something is when Dunkin’ Donuts puts “too much” cream cheese on your bagel. Oh, you poor thing.

Happy Friday! Stay cool.

Amanda Talar

60 Responses

I missed the conversation on facebook, but why on Earth would anyone ever use a full-service gas station and not tip the attendent?! It’s part of the deal (other than in NJ, where full-service isn’t an option).

Q2 … The second question is a tough one. I might take some flak for this but I have to ask, why did you mention that it was a pit bull? Would you have mentioned the breed it was a German Shepherd, Doberman, Collie, Maltase, Cocker spaniel, etc.? The reason I ask, is Pit Bulls get a bad rep for being “attack dogs”. Yes, some dogs are bigger and stronger, but the temperament of a dog is NOT breed specific. The temperament of a dog is based on its breeding, and the way it is raised. Pit Bulls just happen to the trendy “breed of choice” to use as fighting dogs. Before them, Shepherds, Dobermans, and Akitas were said to be the “dangerous” breeds. Pit Bulls are not pre disposed to violent behavior. In this situation, no dog should be at a dog park without being properly vaccinated. If the bite required stitches, I’d likely be forced to report it. If it didn’t, I wouldn’t. But, that also depends on how the owner of the dog that bit me handles the situation.

Q3 … I’d say something to them, but that’s just me.

Q4 … I’d scrounge up the cash, unless it was obscene … like a destination wedding in Bora Bora. Money is like time, when you say you don’t have it to a friend; it really means that they are not a priority. With one exception … if you’re flat broke.

Confused – I agree 100% on the pit bull comment. I grew up with rottweilers and always found strangers (and some family/friends) to be automatically afraid of them even though they never showed signs of aggression. Our min pin and mixed breed toy pups were always meaner! Right now I have 2 chihuahuas that are pretty hostile to big dogs but in 10-15 years when they’re gone, my fiance and I are absolutely adopting a young pit bull. They are the CUTEST puppies I’ve ever seen and make such good pets when they’re raised right (like any dog). And now I’m on a tangent completely unrelated to this post…

Re, tipping attendants: When erring on the side whether to tip or not to tip, I suppose it’s better to tip. But does it really take much effort to pump my gas? You also have to have pi*s-poor customer service skills to mess it up.

1. If it’s in NJ and there are no self-service options, don’t tip. Otherwise, tip.
2. Did you get bit by a pit bull?? I agree with your answer. People need to held responsible fro their dogs actions.
3. I would return the cart myself and hope they saw me do it.
4. I would decline, and explain why. It’s not a reflection on my friendship with the person if I decline, I just don’t want to have to pay an obscene amount of money for their wedding and end up affecting something else in my life (home repairs, college fund, etc.)that the money was earmarked for. I would hope my friend would understand that.
5. Take the coffee you got and go. You shouldn’t have been at DD if you were running late anyway, don’t make it worse now.

I don’t have a dog yet, but when I do I think I’m staying away from Dog Parks. They scare me because you are basically hoping the other dog owners taught their dogs correctly and those aren’t good odds.

If the cart was close and the drop off nearby I’d just move it to the drop off.

For me, you need to go to the weddings of close friends. Mine all got married when I was in college and grad school, aka poor as heck. I went -all out of state -was in the weddings, bought wedding and bridal party gifts. People cry poor but it’s not always true. If it’s go to the wedding or go on a 2nd or 3rd vacation this year, go to the darn wedding. They are important.

Tip full-service gas station attendants? No Way! The business should be paying them the going rate for that job. Unlike waiters and waitresses, tipping is not figured into their pay. Time to draw the line on who to tip. Do you tip the person behind the deli counter, the fish monger, the butcher or the person at the register? Do you tip the cable guy, the auto mechanic, your insurance rep, or the toll booth attendant? I could go on and on. Time to draw the line on who to tip! Guess my parents did not bring me up right #2.

Full service gas costs more money anyways, so I wouldn’t tip because of that reason. If it was the same price, then I would tip. Unless they’re working on a holiday, then I throw in an extra buck or two. The only time I’ve used full service is in New Jersey anyways.

Confused – I think she only said that because a Pit Bull is obviously bigger than Moxie. That way the story is understood a little more. And that’s so rude that the owner didn’t apologize profusely on the spot when that happened!

Bully – Not everyone needs a tip for just doing their job. I tip very generously good service because I know that’s hard to come by, but you shouldn’t reward crappy service!

Confused — I definitely would have mentioned the breed of the dog no matter what it was, because like Jaci points out, it would be to illustrate that dog’s size/strength compared to Moxie. But, furthermore, I have a thing with people defending Pit Bulls to the point of making them out to be fluffy Maltese-type dogs (not that you were, but in general). They’re not. I believe any dog can be vicious if it is not treated/bred/raised/trained correctly, but in my experience at the dog park — all of the other dogs had stopped jumping, barking, etc. But this Pit Bull did not. Sometimes, a stereotype is more than a stereotype and that incident aside, I have always personally thought more caution needs to be taken with and around Pit Bulls than any other breed.

I am an advocate for Pitbulls and I volunteer with a local organization that works with Pitbulls. They are a wonderful breed and are just as loving as any other dog. It is up to the owner to know their dog-whatever the breed- and prevent situations like that from happening. I am actually more cautious around smaller dogs such as Chihuahuas because in my experience, those are the dogs most likely to bite. And Peter Bowden (#15) most Pitbulls aren’t “bred.” They are the result of irresponsible owners not getting their dogs spayed and neutered and allowing them to have puppies. Some people TRAIN them to fight but when raised properly, they are incredible family dogs.

I often wonder if I should tip the beverage center guy who carries my purchase out. The car is directly outside, not much of a walk, but I always wonder if I should throw him a few bucks. To be honest, it usually happens so fast that I’m scrambling trying to get my keys out/door open and grabbing money is an after thought. Anyone?

I run into your coffee conundrum about 4 days out of 5. Too light coffee can really ruin your day! That picture you included is the perfect color coffee to me. I should print it out and tell the D&D’s worker “just make it look like this, please!”

Pitbulls are indeed bred and bred for fighting characteristics just as Border Collies are bred for herding instincts or a retriever is bred for enhanced retrieving of birds. If not then we would just use any old dog for whatever task.

I’m not saying that, through proper training, a pit bull can’t be a wonderful family pet or that a retriever won’t be agressive if trained to be that way.

However, different breeds do have different attributes and pit bulls have the basic attributes of very strong jaws and and an unwillingness to back off once engaged in a fight. To pretend otherwise is just fooling yourself.

I have a mastiff/pitbull mix and he about 100lbs. He has been attacked by smaller dogs in a dog park. He is very timid and I have had to get him out of corner from smaller dogs cornering him and the owners just watching. Eventually it calms down and they run around and play, but in my opinion I find smaller dogs be much more obnoxious than bigger dogs. I agree that if people don’t have a trained dog they should stay out of a dog park. Again even though my dog is big I felt the owners should have called their dogs off mine. It really stinks that pitbulls have a bad name because of bad owners.

Look at most (not all!) the people who own pitbulls. Unless they’re the Look-at-me-breaking-the-stereotype-I-rescued-this-sweet-dog type, they’re so scummy. See: Schenectady.
It was the dobermans, then the rotties, then german shepherds, now pitbulls. Sigh.

Peter if you read my comment I said that MOST Pitbulls are not “bred” but are rather the result of irresponsible ownership and lack of spaying and neutering. I did not say ALL. People need to exercise caution around ANY unknown dog, regardless of the breed.

Full Service Gas Stations – haven’t seen any of those around. I know they are all over the place in NJ, because the government there thinks that the entire populace is too dumb to operate a gas dispenser (yes, it is called dispenser, not pump – the pump is where the underground tank is). Yea, tipping there is reasonable, after all, the gas will still be cheaper with the mandatory service than self-serve anywhere in NY.

Shopping Cart – Agreed! But then take the cart and put it where it belongs. Just complaining isn’t any better.

Coffee – Agreed! But for Christ’s sake make coffee at home and do not buy every day the overpriced stuff at DD or SB in plastic cups with lids that needlessly generate excessive amounts of trash. Buy a travel mug and use it! Disclaimer: I went by the picture shown.

1. Always tip the gas attendent, unless you only have pennies in your change bucket, that would make you look cheap.
2. I thought the only people who still went to dog parks were lonely single guys trying to score some digits.
3. If you’re completely broke, then don’t be in the party, because sooner or later everyone will find out that you only have pennies in your change bucket and get angry that you keep attempting to get out of paying your “fair share”.
4. Coffee — learn to be a chameleon. Try drinking it straight black for a week, then slightly too creamy or too sweet for the next week. This will be tremendously helpful when you order coffee in a different country after you have scraped together enough pennies to finally go abroad. Also you’ll become less irritable and slightly less late for whatever it was you were heading to.

I totally agree with you on your pitbull statements, Amanda. There have been way too many pitbull attacks lately and this makes me very wary of the breed. People can say all they want about how their loving their pitbull is…blah, blah, blah. I have seen and heard enough about this type of dog that I do not trust them.

Actually Suzie, all pitbulls are bred — intentionally or not. Peter is right, baby pitbulls are a product of their parents, which have the genetic wiring for fighting. Lots of ’em are gentle, kind and loving, however, they are genetically geared towards aggressive behavior. Just like some people aren’t bred to be redheads, it just happens that way, and is more likely to happen when you mix certain genetic dispositions.

“But this Pit Bull did not. Sometimes, a stereotype is more than a stereotype and that incident aside, I have always personally thought more caution needs to be taken with and around Pit Bulls than any other breed.” thats because they dont report the stories about the golden retrievers, or labs, or german sheppards, or pugs, or any other dog attacking anything… your little moxie could turn vicious and attack peoples ankles too… its not fair to stereotype a dog because of its negative press… they dont print the stories of pitbulls who rescue their owners, protect mothers/women, defend against buglars, you just get the negative… this coming from a pitbull owner of 8 yrs, with no attacks, no bites, not one negative comment towards my dog, its not the dog its the owner…. if you research pitbulls , they were used for farming, to herd cattle, and remove dead cattle, as well as protecting the other livestock, and owners… people need to get their information correct before they state their supposed facts… its not in their breeding, its in their raising….

I am not saying, in any way whatsoever, that Pit Bulls are monsters. They are dogs with instincts, just like any other dog. I’m just saying it’s always a good decision to be cautious because of their proven instincts to fight, bite, latch on and not let go. Especially when you don’t know how the owner (or any dog owner) has chosen to raise their dog.

Very small dogs shouldn’t be brought to a dog park that’s full of larger dogs in the first place, and you should pretty much never pick up your dog in that situation – that will only incite the other dogs more. And, way too many owners get really up in arms about their dog being “bullied” or “attacked” by other dogs when in fact what the dogs are doing is DOG BEHAVIOR that just looks or sounds bad to humans. Dogs bark, nip, growl, wrestle, jump on, hump, and do lots of other rough things to each other, and most of it is normal and relatively harmless. 99 percent of the time they work it out themselves. The problems usually arise when owners become involved. If someone has a problem with dog behavior toward their dog, they probably shouldn’t go to the dog park.

Dogs and humans have been together far longer than most realize and I suspect even longer than current data can confirm. Dog breeding (genetic engineering) was one of humankind’s first technological breakthroughs. It is a topic that I’m fascinated with and there’s lots to read on it. As a lifelong dog owner, I can sense that the connection is quite old.

molly — With all due respect, I’m personally well aware of what normal dog behavior is…and this was not it. It was 4 big dogs on one, showing teeth, growling, and there were yelps coming from Moxie. So no, there’s no allowing her to be the 1%.

And, the Pit Bull owner arrived at the dog park, and instead of introducing his dogs to the other dogs there (like Moxie had been when we arrived), he unhooked the leash and let her fly. And, she flew to where the incident was happening. Irresponsible and ignorant.

Lastly, I do agree with you re: small vs. larger dogs. There were several other small dogs there, but there was no way to keep them separated. Lesson learned.

Of course I have to comment since I own an American Pitbull Terrier and a pit mix. And no I’m not going to tell you my dogs are like a little fluffy Maltese. My dogs are very strong and very energetic. I don’t bring them to dog parks because my one dog is more interested in loving up people than dogs and jumps all over everyone and my other dog is rough and tumble and needs bigger dogs to play with. But yes like a small dog they still like to get into my lap.

My female is a pit mix and we had no idea what she was when we rescued her as a puppy. So I educated myself and have done a lot of reading and research over the years. We all know there are people out there that breed pitbulls to fight. Yes there are pitbulls that are dog aggressive. Yes they are very strong dogs. Nobody is arguing that.

I think what suziesunshine was trying to point out is that most “pitbulls” you see in shelters (as with other breeds) or running around do not come from breeders. Her point is that many pitbulls are the result of irresponsible dog owners not getting their dogs fixed and then they run out and get knocked up. And half the time they’re mixes or mutts. Happens all the time. Not every pitbull comes from two aggressive pitbull parents that were bred together.

What most people don’t realize is that most people that do breed for fighting may only get one or two dogs out of a large litter that are actually willing to fight or are dog aggressive. All of the other dogs are discarded one way or another because they refuse to fight. Read the book about Michael Vick’s dogs. It’ll show you exactly what happens to many pitbulls that are not willing to fight.

Yes you can breed certain traits into or out of a breed but not all of those dogs pick up those traits. And also most “pitbulls” are mutts or mixes. The American Pitbull Terrier is the only breed that actually has the word Pitbull in it and I’m sure more than half of the “pitbulls” you see out there are made up of other breeds with similar physical characteristics.

I would return the coffee.
I can’t say I’d stay out of the wedding—I’ve been in that situation and it sucks. It’s very stressful when you’re counting your pennies as the other bridesmaids spend like crazy and you don’t want to be “that person”.

Ahhh the pitbull argument. They are stronger and were originally bred as “nanny” dogs for wealthy families. They’re extremely loyal and protective, so yes, they can easily be bred and trained for the wrong reasons. I have a dacshund (sp?) and chihuahua mix that is more “aggressive” than any pitbull I’ve fostered. There are also more dog bits by labs each year than pitbulls, but then again, there may be more labs around so proportionately, it’s probably about the same. I had a lab mix years ago and he was great–just as I’ve had pitbulls that were great. Luck of the draw!

Anyway, if you’re at a dog park and get bit, the owner should approach you immediately and offer up the records (on the spot or agree to email or bring them to you as soon as they get home) before you should have to ask.

this isn’t about “pit bulls” (which isn’t a breed anyway). it’s about owners and their control over and decisions about their dogs. that includes the owner of the three dogs who were bothering/playing with moxie. that includes you, who got in the middle of a situation with dogs. that includes me, when I make the decision to hold onto the leash of my dog when a more aggressive dog starts up (leading my dogs to be even more protective).

and lets be clear here. This sounds a lot like an excited nip. you say they were nipping at Moxie. this is NOT a situation where the dog Latched on and didn’t let go. it’s the same thing as when my parents sweet baby yellow lab gets way too excited and gnaws on my arm.

finally, this is why I don’t bring my dogs to dog parks. My two dogs total 225lbs. the last thing I need is for my “huge, scary” dogs to want to play with a puggle (and truly play, not fight or attack), and someone get all up in arms about it.

No…it was a case of a dog jumping and biting a person’s arm. Whether the dog was “excited” or not is really not something that excuses the owners not being more responsible. And, that includes me for bringing her to a dog park where there were bigger dogs there.

And you’re right — a 50-100 lb dog shouldn’t “play” with a dog who is much smaller. Accidents happen. I would consider you allowing your 2 dogs totaling 225 lbs to play with a Puggle to be irresponsible on your part, as well as that of the Puggle’s owner.

@Peter … The Shar Pei was originally bread by the Chinese to be a fighting dog. But since “others” have realized that there are different, stronger breeds out there, they are no longer considered as such.

I didn’t mean to sound argumentative and if I did I apologize. I didn’t think you were singling out a certain breed per say I was just taking the opportunity to make a point about conceptions of breeds in general. I agree, that Pit Bulls are not harmless little fur balls, but most large breed dogs aren’t. I own a German shepherd. He’s a handsome, loving, gentle boy that is great with kids and other dogs. BUT YES, he could take your arm off if he wanted to. Why? Because he’s a shepherd, that weighs almost 100lbs and he has the bite pressure of 320lbs (the same as an American pit bull terrier and a Rottweiler). I guess I was just trying to make a point that I feel strongly about. When there is a dog attack in the news, if the attack was perpetrated by a pit bull, they headline reads “PIT BULL attacks woman walking down the street”, but when it’s any other breed, the headline reads “Dog attacks woman walking down the street.” All news agencies do it. The TU did it recently. I guess it’s just a beef that I have. Pit Bulls are large breed dogs that are strong and athletic. Rotties, Shepherds, Dobermans, Akitas, Malawi, etc. fit this mold as well. I’d just like to see the general public treat all such breeds the same.

The bottom line is this … Well behaved dogs have RESPONSIBLE dog owners. If your dog does not get along well with other dogs, regardless of breed, it doesn’t belong at a dog park

I think we just disagree, then; I’ve seen teeth-baring, growling and nipping at the dog park quite a bit and the vast majority of the time, it gets worked out among the dogs without human intervention, and the dogs walk away unscathed. If Moxie had been bit, that’s a very separate and serious thing – but dogs who are snarling and growling aren’t necessarily going to bite, and usually don’t. Snarling and growling and yelping is their way of communicating. It can be very off-putting as an owner to see but I do firmly believe that the majority of the time, things work out just fine among the dogs without owners getting involved. That’s based on about 7 years of dog park trips with five separate dogs.

Some dog parks have little dog areas, which I think is smart. You wouldn’t let a toddler-sized human play football with a 7 foot tall body builder, but that’s the kind of proportions you can get in the dog park sometimes, ha.

I took exception to your specification of the attacking dog being a pit bull. Mostly because the media does tend to, for the most part, paint pit bulls as vicious dogs. Out of the articles you posted exemplifying pit bulls, 3 were from the past 6 months (things are improving). The others were 2 years and 6 years ago.

Just an FYI for everyone, especially children, you should ALWAYS take care around any dog, no matter size or breed. You SHOULD NEVER try to break up a dog fight by getting into the middle of it, EVER. If you are going to take your dog to a dog park, learn how to properly break up a dog fight from a dog trainer/handler.

What were the questions again? Oh yes.
I do not get full service gas so a moot point.

I think dog owners must be responsible for their dogs in any public situation, in fact even on your own property. Enough has been debated about pit bulls no need for me to add.

I almost always have a sharp remark for those boneheads that I see walking away from a cart. Lazy is not attractive at all.

I suppose it depends on the friend, Recently I forked out to much to travel to Florida for a wedding I was not actually , was his best man first time around, but we are very close. Another fairly close friends children were married since 2 of them in NC and we did not attend but sent a card and small gift.

I do not drink coffee hot or cold, save maybe a smidge of ice cream once in a while, so can not comment other than to say if you order it a particular way it should come that way. If it does not they should make it right and make it free for the inconvenience.

Q1- I don’t know that I’ve been to a full service gas station that hasn’t been in NJ, but I don’t think I would.
Q2- Sounds like asking for the immunization records is a reasonable request.
Q3-Put the cart where it belongs and make a snide comment (and in return receive a snotty look that says “I can’t believe you had the audacity to put the cart that I left behind in it’s proper place and make a comment….even though I’m wrong in the first place).
Q4- Decline if it’s too much money. I’m not going into debt for your wedding, even if the bride and groom choose to do so.
Q5- I’m not a coffee drinker so please don’t berate me for this… but the wrong coffee can ruin your day, sounds like you have a problem. Completely agree with the person who said if you’re running late, don’t be MORE late, suck it up.

AT- I think you’re taking my comment out of context. I feel like I adequately explained that the owners are responsible. if I saw my dog cornering another dog, whether it was 5lbs or 150lbs, my dog would be by my side in half a second. clearly someone wasn’t paying attention (or has no control over their dog).

I just can’t stand when dogs are singled out because of their breed. there are arguments on here saying that “pit bulls” are breed to bite, latch on and not let go. that isn’t what happened here. because if it was, you would have lost your arm.

Thankfully my dogs don’t have “accidents” with smaller dogs, because they know appropriate play. I trust my dogs completely with dogs of all sizes. I just don’t trust owners of other dogs. I’ve had more problems with smaller dogs growling and nipping at my dogs faces than I can count. when one of them raises a lip to say “cut it out” (instead of say, eating it), all of a sudden it’s the big dog that’s terrorizing the smaller dog. And this has been all with dogs and owners I know! so no thank you dog park.

Fair enough. Although, I know I would have identified the dog by its breed no matter what, if only to paint a picture. And, I agree — no dog park — unless it’s with dogs of similar sizes, to be on the safer side and decrease the hassle.

Question 2: I had a dog take a sandwich right out of my hand and eat it, but I was too busy laughing to do anything about it. A bite out of me or my kid though and I’d want some information.

Question 3: I ALWAYS Say something, because nine times out of 10 its the handicap parking space that gets the cart, and there are limited number of spaces available for those that need it. But then again, I once got threatened with a knife over this, so be careful.

Question 4: I ALWAYS decline if I don’t mind losing the friend, which is usually. I’ve learned that giving a reason won’t matter, your friend will hate you for it regardless.

Question 5: I’ve learned that it’s better to just let it go…. too many times though and I simply put the place on my “banned” list.

I agree with you on all points except for the point on seeing someone park their grocery cart into a parking space rather than the grocery cart rack. Calling out on the person seems mean. I’d simply put the cart away in the correct area and drive home.

To all the pit bull defenders out there… your thoughts are genuine and your affection for the breed is real and appreciated. Unfortunately, it is proven, through ststistics and experts in the field, that Pits are predisposed to violence and mauling. I’ve been in law enforcement 30 years, and although I can’t hold a valid set of stats in my hand, I can tell you that easily 80% of our vicious dog cases involve pits. I have seen the lives of approximately five children changed forever by pit bull maulings; in 1993 I saw a four year old die at the hands (teeth) of a pit. I appreciate you standing up for the breed, but the facts support the perception. No matter how you try to spin it, pits are, without question, the most dangerous “common” breed of dogs.

@Archer
This is exactly why pitbull owners should have to apply for a weapons permit and be required to follow the exact same regulations as for firearms.
My guess is that instead regulations for firearms are removed. There are a lot of trigger happy folks out there and guns are big business. But that’s a different topic.

1) I’m a really good tipper for waitresses and etc, but I have to admit I never thought of tipping a full service gas station attendant. I was just in New Jersey too and we had our gas pumped for us…darn it.

2) I have wondered this myself. I personally would not get in the middle of a dog fight. But I also don’t own a dog and don’t know what I would do if that was MY dog in there. I want to say that if you know your dog is aggressive, don’t have him around other dogs, but that’s probably much easier than it sounds.

3) I would not say something. I pride myself on always putting the cart back in the designated space even if it’s the dead of winter and/or it’s far away from my car. So, my conscience is clear. I’m not that good of Samartin that I’m willing to bug other people to do what I do there.

4) I think I’d probably go anyway, but it would probably depend on my exact financial situation at the time.

5) This would be directly reflective of my mood on that particular day. I could see that one going either way.

1. Not in NJ. It is the law and their job. My native Jersey friends would smack me if I ever did.

2. Any dog is likely to bite not just pit bulls. My American Staffordshite (pit bull by looks and to those with ignorant minds) has been bitten by a Jack Russell passing by. My dog and I were standing at a vendor table and as the offending dog was passing he unprovoked snapped at mine. My dog did nothing in return just other than look at me like what did he do wrong. I don’t care what statistics say because those numbers aren’t based on a whole population and don’t take many factors into consideration, like any other statistical data set. I will say nothing more on that topic.

As for owner not properly controlling their dog or removing them from the situation I would just ask for their vets name and number. A responsible pet owner will have that information. I don’t carry my dogs shot record around but if someone wanted confirmation of his records I would give you the vets number on the spot or if absolutely needed I would put it up on my phone. And yes the vet will tell you if the dog is up to date on their shoots without authorization or hassle. No one should ever let their dog just run, dog park or not because just like humans not all personalities get along.

3. I will take the shopping cart in the store with me or the return. Pick your battles and just move it. However, if someone is attempting to get by in the store and I am to one side or the other but they are standing there expecting me to read their mind to move for them to get whatever. I will say “It is amazing what speaking does and saying excuse me” directly to them.

4. Thank them friend for the thought and decline. if it causes a strain on the friendship then it wasn’t a true friendship anyway. Any friend that is close enough to be in their wedding will understand I am declining out of necessity.

5. If I am late I am getting the coffee I asked for and not going to have an excuse.

The responsible dog owner conversation reminds me of another blog topic I saw on the TU not long ago, I can’t remember which one, but it was on, should it be illegal to have a pet in the car not in a crate/carrier? The answer there is clear to me which is that no it shouldn’t be illegal – that would only punish responsible pet owners. You know if your dog or cat can handle being in the car without a crate or not. Use good judgement accordingly.

Likewise, you should know if your dog reacts badly around other dogs and should avoid taking him to a dog park in that case. But, all dogs need to go outside and be walked. How can you be sure to always avoid interaction with other dogs and/or people? Should all potentially aggressive dogs be restricted to their back yard? I don’t think so. I think they they still deserve to be walked for their health and happiness. And I say this as not a big dog person, believe me.

So, I don’t know. Tough one. Maybe the compromise would be, take them on a walk around the neighborhood but avoid dog parks.

Oh, but to your specific situation Amanda, I think it’s totally reasonable to ask for immunization records. That’s the least they could do. If that were me and my dog I would go nuts apologizing, offering to pay for any medical expenses, etc.

but I have to admit I never thought of tipping a full service gas station attendant. I was just in New Jersey too and we had our gas pumped for us…darn it.

But what else did the NJ attendant do for you? Did they wash your windows? Did they offer to check your engine fluids to make sure they are at the proper levels? In 1995-1999 I worked summers as a station attendant at Guilderland Service Area, and we were expected to ask ALL customers (even Self Serve) if they wanted their engine fluids checked (you’d be surprised how many drivers I met who were clueless about the importance of doing this – I remember telling one idiot that his engine badly needed coolant, and he told me just to put water in it!), as well as pump Full Serve. I used to bag $3-$5 tips because I knew how to squeegee a windshild without leaving any streaks.

Q1: No. I’m a miserly tipper and probably going to hell.
Q2: Kick the crap out of the dog, possibly to death. Don’t mess with my babies.
Q3: Nothing, maybe just return it myself.
Q4: Say I can’t afford it, which isn’t really a lie.
Q5: This would never happen – I make my own coffee at work 😉